Seafari Maldives

Since 1992, Seafari has been organising specialised liveaboard expeditions to some of the world's most iconic diving destinations. While they have a strong presence in the Maldives, where they have operated since 2008, their reach extends to the Red Sea and the Bahamas.

Operating a fleet of five dedicated dive yachts, the company focuses on high-standard service and carefully curated routes. Their approach combines professional maritime expertise with a genuine passion for ocean conservation, ensuring that every itinerary is both spectacular and responsibly managed.

The team is composed of sea enthusiasts and experienced guides, including local experts who know the specific nuances of each atoll and reef system. The direction is seasoned, bringing decades of logistical and diving expertise to every cruise.

Safety and personalised attention are central to their operation, with a guided ratio of four divers per guide. For those who prefer to communicate in French, the team includes French-speaking staff, though the primary service is international. The atmosphere on board is designed to be professional yet warm and family-oriented.

Seafari offers a wide range of training programmes to suit all levels of experience. For those starting their journey, they provide Open Water Diver training, while more advanced divers can pursue CMAS/FFESSM N1 and N2 certifications, as well as PADI Rescue Diver.

Specialised training is also available to refine your skills in specific environments. This includes PADI Deep Diver, PADI Wreck Diver, PADI Drift Diver, and PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy. For those looking to encounter larger species, they offer the PADI Shark Diver course, alongside PADI Night Diver and advanced skills training.

Seafari operates a fleet of five dive yachts, including the Dolce Vita, Hammerhead 2, Odyssey, Seafari Explorer 2, and the Blue Marlin. These vessels are designed for high-standard liveaboard cruising, providing a comfortable base for extended expeditions.

On board, you will find well-appointed accommodation including double, twin, triple, and single cabins, all equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The service includes varied catering, snacks, and refreshments, alongside amenities such as Wi-Fi and massage services to relax after a day of diving. Night dives are also part of the standard programme.

For those not travelling with their own kit, a full range of equipment is available for hire, including masks, fins, wetsuits, computers, torches, and 15L cylinders. Nitrox is available on board to extend your bottom time on many of the itineraries.

Technical diving is supported with rebreather capabilities available on certain trips. The fleet is equipped to handle the specific needs of long-range cruising, ensuring that your gear and gas requirements are met throughout the voyage.

The Maldives and surrounding waters offer spectacular encounters with large pelagics. Between June and November, the presence of plankton draws Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) to the area. You can also expect to see Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini), Grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), and various species of reef sharks, including Blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus).

In the deeper blue, look for oceanic whitetip sharks, Thresher sharks, and various other pelagic species. Large schools of Jack (Carangidae), Tuna (Thunnus), and various trevallies are common, often accompanied by barracuda and large schools of fusiliers (Caesio).

On the reef itself, the biodiversity is immense. You will find a variety of corals, including Sea fan (Gorgoniidae) and Soft coral (Alcyonacea), providing a home for colourful reef fish. Look for clownfish (anemonefish) among the sea anemones (Actiniaria), as well as turtles, rays, and various species of snapper (Lutjanus) and grouper (Epinephelus).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from various species of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) to Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) and Frogfish (Antennarius) hiding amongst the reef structure. Keep an eye out for crustaceans like Spiny lobster (Palinuridae) and various crabs (Brachyura) in the crevices.

Diving in the Maldives is heavily influenced by the seasonal plankton blooms. Between June and November, the increased plankton levels significantly boost the chances of seeing Manta rays and Whale sharks, though this can also affect water clarity.

Many of the sites, particularly in the Maldives and the Red Sea, can involve significant currents. Sites like the Brothers Islands are known for strong currents and exposed walls, requiring an advanced level of buoyancy control and experience with drift diving.